The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has opened applications for the 2026 DesignEuropa Awards, with the winners to be announced next autumn in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. The Patent Office invites Latvian designers and companies to submit their registered Community designs and compete for this prestigious award in one of the categories.
The DesignEuropa Awards have become a well-established tradition in the European design industry and will celebrate their 10th anniversary next year.
In total, the European Design Award will be presented in four categories, two of which are aimed at businesses:
Small and Emerging Companies – recognising outstanding projects from entrepreneurs, small businesses, and start-ups.
Industry – for large and medium-sized companies demonstrating exceptional design achievements.
Awards will also be presented for Lifetime Achievement and the Next Generation Award, the latter dedicated to young designers aged up to 29.
Applications are open to entrepreneurs, small enterprises, medium and large companies, as well as young designers, who may apply independently or be nominated. Individuals with long-standing experience in the design field and whose works are protected as registered Community designs are also eligible. Each category highlights innovation, market impact, and contribution to the design community.
Applications will be reviewed by a jury of experts in business, design, and intellectual property.
The application deadline is 20 February 2026.
The application form and detailed information are available on the award’s website.
Design is a crucial driver of economic growth and job creation. According to recent data, design-intensive industries generate 26.8 million direct jobs in the European Union (EU), representing 16% of the EU’s total GDP. A 2025 EUIPO study also shows that companies protecting their designs perform better, generating 29% higher revenues and offering 24% higher wages.
EUIPO currently registers more than 100,000 designs annually and has received over 1.9 million design applications since 2003.
